Key Industrial Metals: Properties and Applications

Aluminum

Alumina Reduction Process

The reduction of alumina is a process conducted in steel cells, where carbon blocks act as anodes.

Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum is alloyed with elements such as copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and silicon to enhance its properties.

Aluminum Applications

Aluminum is widely used due to its unique properties:

• Reduced Density

  Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and railway industries due to its lightweight nature.

• Good Electrical Conductivity

  Utilized as conduits in high-voltage overhead power lines.

• Corrosion Resistance

  Used for manufacturing tanks for substances like acetic acid and beer.

• High Reflectivity

  In powder form, it's used for making reflective paints due to its high reflectivity.

• Oxygen Affinity

  Acts as a reducing agent in various processes.

Nickel

Nickel is a shiny white metal, hard, tough, malleable, and ductile. It can be forged, laminated, or stretched in both hot and cold conditions. It possesses high mechanical resistance, is resistant to wear and chemical reagents, and exhibits excellent corrosion resistance. Pure nickel is used for manufacturing instruments in industry, surgery, and chemistry, and also in the production of stainless steels.

Cobalt

Cobalt is silvery white, hard, and tenacious. It is used as a coating, often replacing electrolytic nickel.

Tungsten

Tungsten is silvery white and very dense. In its pure state, it is highly ductile and malleable, while in an impure state, it is hard, brittle, and has a steely gray appearance. It is used as a filament in incandescent lamps and also in the manufacture of spark plugs.

Chromium

Chromium is silver-colored, very hard, and brittle. It is used in the manufacture of chromium steels, stainless steel, and hard metals.

Titanium

Titanium is silvery white, possessing high mechanical strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It has a low density and strong resistance to corrosion in seawater.

Magnesium

Magnesium is silvery white. Its alloys are lightweight, with moderate mechanical resistance, low density, and high specific mechanical strength. It is characterized by its strong affinity for oxygen and is used for:

• Oxygen Affinity

  As a deoxidizing agent for copper, zinc, and nickel.

• Light and Heat Emission

  For its bright light and heat emission, used in pyrotechnics and incendiary devices (which are difficult to extinguish with water).

• Lightness

  In the aeronautical and automotive industries due to its lightweight properties.

• Non-Sparking Properties

  For non-sparking applications, including certain automotive components.